When She Rose From the Ashes (Natalie and Jensen) novel Chapter 569

**TITLE: HereSelf 569**
**Chapter 569 A Tragic Past**

Weren’t they concerned about frightening the children?

In a swift motion, Ruby scooped Susie into her arms, her voice gentle yet firm. “Come on, sweetheart, let’s go find Sean.”

“Oh.”

This time, Susie didn’t protest. The desire to play with Holt was strong, but she understood the gravity of the situation. He was unwell, and her father was busy tending to him. Besides, she had to make amends with Sean; she felt that tug of responsibility.

Noticing that Susie was compliant, Ruby made her way toward Sean’s room, her heart heavy with the weight of the day.

From the corner of his eye, Baron observed their movement but chose not to intervene. Instead, he continued to speak to Holt in the softest tone he could muster, hoping to soothe the boy’s frayed nerves.

“It’s alright, Holt. No one will ever harm you again. You have my word. How about we head back to your room?”

Holt nodded, his expression a mix of relief and exhaustion.

Baron guided him gently back to his room. The moment they entered, Holt climbed onto the bed, pulling the covers tightly around himself, as if they could shield him from the world outside. It was a heartbreaking sight, one that pierced Baron’s heart with a profound ache. He couldn’t shake off the memories of James’s actions. Though they were intended as protection, the toll on such a young child was immeasurable.

In the twisted logic of this so-called protection, there were no victors.

Baron paused for a moment, a troubling thought creeping into his mind. If I lack power, will my wife and children be condemned to suffer the same fate in the future?

His resolve began to waver. The notion he had once entertained of dismantling his underground organization was now shifting, quietly morphing into something else entirely.

Just then, the shrill ring of his phone broke through his contemplation. He glanced at the caller ID, and his expression darkened, a storm brewing behind his eyes.

“Mr. Baron, our sources have spotted Payne Brian meeting with Rachel.”

Shauna’s report sent a ripple of tension through Baron. “Understood. It’s not surprising for Brian to seek Rachel out under the current circumstances. The real concern is whether Rachel will be released without facing charges. Keep a close watch on this. And arrange for some gifts to be sent to the higher-ups. It’s time to reposition our hidden asset.”

“Got it, Mr. Baron.”

After Shauna hung up, Baron narrowed his eyes momentarily, then allowed his expression to soften again.

Sean remained silent, but a flicker of pity crossed his face.

Seeing that Goldfish had endured such hardship, I suppose I won’t hold this against him for now.

With a huff, Sean closed the door, frustration bubbling inside him. He reached for a model airplane from his desk and handed it to Susie.

“Here. Give this to Goldfish. It’s a welcome gift from me. I don’t want anyone thinking I’m rude.”

When Susie saw Sean parting with his cherished model airplane, a smile broke across her face. “You’re just pretending to be tough. This is your favorite!”

“Go, go, go! Don’t mess with me!”

Caught in the act, Sean felt a flush of annoyance and playfully shoved Susie out of the room.

Susie, undeterred, cheerfully took the model airplane and made her way to Holt’s room, her heart set on cheering him up.

Ruby, watching this unfold, felt a surge of protectiveness. She instinctively moved to stop Susie, fearing Holt might lash out in his fragile state, but Baron gently held her back, his expression calm yet resolute.